The Singing Winds

The Singing Winds
Newsletter of the Friends of T. C. Steele State Historic Site
Winter
January
2016
GUSTAVE BAUMANN, GERMAN CRAFTSMAN - AMERICAN ARTIST
Exhibition at Indianapolis Museum of Art
Open Until February 14, 2016
Support for this exhibition is provided by Bob and Toni Bader,
Dr. Stephen W. Fess and Elaine Ewing Fess, and Frank N. and Patricia L. Owings.
Gustave Baumann (1881–1971) was the most devoted American color woodblock printmaker
of the 20th century. By combining the craftsmanship of a woodcarver and the sensitivity of a
painter, he created an unparalleled body of color woodblock prints over the course of his 65year career. Aside from printmaking and painting, Baumann also made furniture, fabricated
toys and marionettes, designed interiors, illustrated books, and sculpted.
Brandt N. Steele, great-grandson of
T.C. Steele, made a visit to the site
in October. He is holding portraits
of his great grandparents,
This exhibition features prints, sketches, watercolors, marionettes, toys and gourd sculptures
that Baumann created during the course of his long career. Interpretive tools, including videos
and photos of the artist, interactive iPads, and a touch table help visitors to learn about the
artist's life, his influences and artistic processes.
Friends of T.C. Steele
State Historic Site
2016 Board
Born in Magdeburg, Germany on June 17, 1881, Baumann grew up in Chicago and studied
painting at the Art Institute of Chicago. He worked as an engraver and commercial artist but
was drawn to the woodblock medium and went back to Germany to study printmaking at the
School of Applied Arts in Munich. After this he resolved to pursue woodblock printmaking as
an art form rather than a trade.
President
Stephanie Dean
Vice-President
David Steele
Secretary
TBA
Treasurer
Charlie Matson
At-Large Members
Mary Jo Benedict
Deb Davis
Patti Pizzo
________________________
T.C. Steele State
Historic Site Staff
Historic Site Manager
Andrea deTarnowsky
Program Developer
Cate Whetzel
Interpreters
Michelle Platter
Rebecca Timmons
Grounds & Maintenance
Anthony Joslin
Supervisor
Jack Cathcart
Assistant
Baumann arrived in Brown County from Chicago on a summer’s vacation in 1910 and ended up
staying for six years. After sketching outdoors, he would return to his studio to carve each
scene into wood. Before purchasing his own press, Gustave would take his block to the local
newspaper office where the owner let him use an old handpress to make his prints. While in
Nashville, he began adding color to his art prints. James Whitcomb Riley appreciated
Baumann’s work and commissioned the artist to create a series of prints for his book All the
Year Round. Baumann was also a friend of the Steeles, and they collected his work.
It looked like Baumann would remain in Peaceful Valley as he had purchased land on Cheerful
Hill, but in 1917 he closed his studio and after a brief stay in New York and Massachusetts, he
headed west, eventually settling in Santa Fe. The Southwest possessed a far different landscape, presented in more intense and higher keyed colors, which presented Baumann with
new artistic challenges. In Santa Fe he married and had a daughter.
When the market for his $30 color woodcuts disappeared during the Great Depression, he
turned his skills to creating a marionette theater. While arthritis curtailed his woodcarving in
the 1950s, Baumann continued to print, paint, and write to his 90th year. During his lifetime he
created more than 300 prints, a remarkable achievement considering the complex process
involved. His work is represented in major U.S. museums, including the Metropolitan Museum
of Art in New York.
For more information about the exhibitions go to www.imamuseum.org/exhibitions
On Thanksgiving Day, 1910, Gustav Baumann carved
the saying above the fireplace in the living room of the
“House of the Singing Winds.” The story goes that
since he did not have any stone carving tools, a local
gravestone carver loaned Mr. Baumann the proper
equipment. This is the only stone carving Baumann
ever made. The printmaker was of course invited to
Thanksgiving dinner with the Steeles.
The fireplace quote reads “Every morning I take off
my hat to the beauty of the world”. This phrase
was selected by Selma from a book of old Gaelic
tales which she had given to T.C. as a birthday gift.
The Singing Winds
New Site Staff
Winter, 2016
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Volunteer of the Year
Jack Cathcart was hired this past
fall as an assistant with grounds
and maintenance. A Bloomington
native, he grew up in a large, open,
and loving family. Jack attended
Indiana University. In his spare
time, he enjoys the art of balancing
stone, mushroom foraging, traveling
and live music.
Michelle Platter was originally
hired to work in the gardens, but
took the job as interpreter when
the position became available in
December. A resident of Nashville,
Michelle grew up in Michigan. She
has an associate degree in general
studies from IVY Tech. She and
her husband “Catfish” have four
children and two Boston Terriers.
Friends President Stephanie Dean (right) presents
Caroline Gilchrist (left) with the Volunteer of the
Year Award for the many hours she spent helping
with the gardens, special projects and other events
at the site in 2015. Caroline is a potter and will be
teaching several hand-built pottery classes through
a 2016 Indiana Arts Commission grant. A skilled
fencer with several championships under her belt,
Caroline also teaches fencing. She and her partner
Anthony Joslin are expecting their first child.
Changing of the Guard (Friends Board)
A special thanks to members who are leaving.
Nan Brewer, who served as president and secretary
during her 6 years on the board, decided not to stay due
to increased job responsibilities at the IU Art Museum.
Susan Fernandes completed three years on the board
during which time she provided professional services in
the evaluation of the office and shop needs at the Site
as well as potential spaces for events.
A hearty welcome to a new member to the board.
Deb Davis, a native Hoosier, has been highly involved
with our Murder Mystery fundraisers for the past seven
years. She majored in Anthropology and minored in
Liberal Arts Management as an undergrad at IU, and
received a law degree from IU. Deb is an administrative
law judge for the Department of Children Services. She
and her husband Dave have two grown children.
The following persons need final approval before they become
official members of the board:
Sharon Fansler is a former teacher, retired nurse and
amateur painter from Shelbyville, IN. She developed the
character of Selma Steele (even making her own costumes) and has appeared as Selma at the Site and the
Indiana State Museum. Sharon and her husband Steve
have five children and 10 grandchildren.
Betty Wagoner, a painter and retired librarian, has
been a long-time volunteer at the site. She teaches art
classes in Morgan & Monroe counties and has displayed
her art in the Member Art Show for the past four years.
Photo courtesy of Martha Fox
Elizabeth Seagull Heeter of Indianapolis
will be Artist-in-Residence in February
Drawing from themes of nature and place, Elizabeth
cuts intricate paper designs by hand and mounts them
onto bright, expressive watercolor paintings. She is a
professional exhibitor at Festivals and Art Fairs including Penrod, WAMMfest and Madison Chautauqua
In May, 2015, Elizabeth
was first place winner in
the mixed media category
at the Festival of Flowers
PaintOut at the Site. She
was Artist-in-Residence at
the Indiana State Museum
in April, 2015.
As Artist-in-Residence at TCSSHS, Elizabeth will lead
the following programs:
Outreach Program for Teens - February 19
Brown County Library
Contact the library for more details and to register.
Workshop at T.C. Steele - February 20
Registration required. Go to www.tcsteele.org for
more details or call the Site to register.
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Winter, 2016
Murder Mystery is a Hollywood Affair
Alfred Hitchcock and several Hollywood celebrities were in attendance at the Murder
Mystery and Dinner fundraiser held in the Large Studio October 16 & 17. Selma Steele
(Sharon Fansler) hosted the entourage. Entertainment was provided by Hoagy Carmichael
(Rick Heeter), Dr. Alfred Kinsey (Mike McGregor) and Peggy Lee (Janiece Jaffee). It was a
star-studded evening with participants outfitted in 40’s fashions. Scriptwriters Deb Davis
and Charlie Matson once again delivered a delightful, fun production. Recognition was
given to Erin Lahr (Friday) and Patti Cummings (Saturday) for the most creative solutions
to the murder. Thanks to Steve Fansler for providing photographs of the event .
Peggy Lee (Janiece Jaffee) performs
classic and beloved Hoagy songs.
Below: Selma (Sharon Fransler)
received an Oscar on Saturday for
her performance. Pictured with her
is Charlie Matson who portrayed
Alfred Kinsey.
Left: The murderess (Stephanie Dean) brandishes her gun.
Above: Hitchcock (Tom Shafer) wins the Oscar Friday.
Ingrid Bergman (Rebecca Timmons) and Cary Grant (Ryan
Timmons) pose for the camera.
Member Art Show Draws Artists and Friends to Large Studio in November
Forty works of art of various medium were on display during the month of November in the Large Studio for the public
to view and possibly purchase. The artists who participated were Dennis Barron, Rose Brenner, Sandi Connally, Ingrid
Faber, Sharon Fansler, Steve Fansler, Cathy Ferguson, Dick Ferrer, Martha Fox, David Gahimer, Don Geyra, Gillian
Harris, Anabel Hopkins, Philip Jones, Gary M. Jursik, Beverly S. Mathis, Hazel Cole Mitchell, Gary R. Morrison, Todd
Ripberger, Carolyn Sichting, James M. Stahlhut and Betty Wagoner. Thanks to all the participating artists for sharing
your work with us and site visitors this November!
Artists, family and friends attended the opening reception for the Member Art
show Sunday, November 1. This picture was taken by Steve Fansler from the
balcony of the large studio.
Congratulations to Carolyn Sichting whose painting
"Misty Morn" was winner of the Member Art Show's
People's Choice award! Ms. Sichting received a
gift certificate to the museum shop.
The Singing Winds
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Winter, 2016
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Several of Steele’s Munich paintings on display in the Large Studio.
Steele possessed an unshakable determination to become successful as an artist. He
understood that to succeed he would need the best instruction available, which meant
studying in Europe. Among Steele’s acquaintances was Herman Lieber, a bookbinder
from Dusseldorf, Germany who had moved to Indianapolis and owned a prestigious art
emporium. Lieber was aware of Steele’s ambition to study abroad and proposed a plan
to fund the trip. Sponsors advanced a minimum of $100 each to support the Steele
family while in Germany. Steele would repay the loans in “paintings from his own easel
as soon as practicable after his return.” The family left for Germany in 1880 and
returned in 1885. At the Royal Academy of Art in Munich, Steele studied life drawing,
working six to eight hours a day from live models. Steele’s Munich paintings display
dark, drab colors and high contrasts, as was the style.
(1) Outside of the classroom, Steele spent many hours in the
Alte Pinakothek (art museum), learning techniques by copying
paintings by the old masters. This is his copy of a Rembrandt
made in 1880.
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(2) In the spring of 1882, the Steele family moved for the
summer into rooms in an ancient monastery cloister in the
nearby village of Mittenheim. Steele enjoyed painting the
arched walls of the cloister as shown in this painting.
(3) The Steeles’ three children, sons Brandt and Shirley, and
daughter, Daisy, accompanied their parents to Germany.
Shirley posed for his father in this portrait, circa 1884.
Garden Restoration Update
Mark Your 2016 Calendar!
Contracted work has been completed in the formal
garden area. Work on the irrigation system was
able to progress during good weather conditions in
late fall. Planting (and replanting of historic flowers)
will commence in the spring.
Wildflower Foray
Stonework on the upper lily pond is 1/3 finished.
The lower lily pond has been restored with additional
safer walkways (pictured below).
An official dedication ceremony will take place later
this year when a stone plaque will be installed to
commemorate the restoration project. Please watch
for updates in the next newsletter and by e-mail.
April 22-24, 2016
Knowledgeable guides lead wildflower and bird walks,
boat trips, and hikes exploring local natural areas.
All programs and hikes are free.
Festival of Flowers PaintOut
Saturday, May 21, 2016
Amateur and professional artists of all ages are
invited to participate in this plein air art contest.
Besides watching the artists, the public can
enjoy food, entertainment and tours.
Great Outdoor Art Contest
Saturday, September 10, 2016
Pre-registered artists paint on site while visitors
observe the process of creation in plein air.
Food available for purchase. Outdoor concert.
Friends Member Art Show and Sale
November 1, 2016
Members of the Friends of T.C. Steele are invited to
exhibit two pieces of artwork. All mediums are accepted
Steele’s Country Christmas
Sunday, December 4, 2016
St. Nicholas and Belsnickel pay a visit at this familyfriendly event. Refreshments, crafts & entertainment.
INDIANA IS TURNING 200!
The Hoosier State officially became the 19th state on December 11, 1816. In
2016 every county in the state is creating events and projects to celebrate 200
years of heritage and progress. Here is a sampling of a few upcoming events.
For a full listing, visit www.indiana2016.org.
Mapping Indiana History Exhibit
January 4 to May 1, 2016
Tuesday-Saturday, 10 am to 2 pm
Wylie House Museum, 307 East 2nd Street, Bloomington, Indiana 47401
This exhibit is hosted by the Wylie House Museum, the 1835 home of the first president of Indiana University, Andrew Wylie.
Approximately ten enlarged copies of historic maps of Indiana which demonstrate the evolution of the state over time will be
displayed in the education center next to the museum. In addition to the maps, there will be descriptions of early Bloomington
pulled from various sources to give visitors a sense of place and history. As a parallel project, images of the maps along with
descriptions will be digitally displayed in IU's Wells Library, along with state facts and books related to Indiana.
200 Years of Indiana Art: A Cultural Legacy
February 1 to June 30, 2016
Monday-Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday: 11 am to 5 pm
Indiana State Museum
This fine art exhibition organized for the state's bicentennial featuring works by Indiana artists from the territorial days to the
present. Works installed across two galleries at the Indiana State Museum illustrate the development of the visual arts in
Indiana, showcasing the immense talent and diversity associated with the state.
A Gentleman Collector from Indiana:
Portraits from the Collection of Booth Tarkington
February 26, 2016 - February 26, 2017
Tues., Wed., Fri. & Sat., 11 am - 5 pm Thurs., 11 am - 9 pm Sun., noon-5 pm
Indianapolis Museum of Art, 4000 Michigan Road, Indianapolis, IN 46208
In 2016, Indianapolis will also celebrate the 70th anniversary of the death of native son Booth Tarkington. A former trustee of
the John Herron Art Museum and a dedicated art collector, Tarkington and, later, his widow were important benefactors of the
IMA. "Portraits from the Collection of Booth Tarkington" will focus on Tarkington’s interest in the human face, a subject he
wrote about extensively. The show will feature the writer's published and unpublished commentary on his paintings, as found in
his correspondence with artists, dealers, and other collectors, as well as his broader thoughts on the power of portraiture.
National Maple Syrup Festival
March 3, 2016 - March 6, 2016
Brown County State Park, 1405 State Road 46 West, Nashville, Indiana 47448
Nashville's National Maple Syrup Festival brings together maple sugar producers, hobbyists, connoisseurs, and visitors from near
and far to promote Indiana's role in the national production of maple sugar and syrup. Festival guests learn the basics of maple
syrup, the sugaring process, and will have plenty of opportunities to sample delicious maple treats and dishes.
Celebrating the Bicentennial with T. C. Steele
The Friends of T. C. Steele received a Masterpiece Grant to fund several events pertaining to the life of
T.C. Steele as part of the Bicentennial Celebration. Here are a couple of featured activities:
Studio Centennial and Release Party for “The House of the Singing Winds”
June 4, 2016 - Large Studio at TCSSHS
Rachel Berenson Perry will introduce the release of the reprinted book. She will also sign copies of the book which will
be available for purchase by the Friends. Storyteller Lou Ann Homan will tell a 60-minute story on Steele. A reception
will follow the presentations, including birthday cake to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Large Studio.
Several Presentations on the Life of T.C. Steele
October 7, 2016 - Indiana University Campus
Nan Brewer will give a noon talk at the IU Art Museum showcasing Steele’s work from his studies in Munich. In the
afternoon, Rachel Berenson Perry will give a presentation at the University Club highlighting Steele’s time on the IU
campus as the first Artist-in-Residence. During the day, the public can view painting demonstrations around campus.
Times and further details will be available at www.tcsteele.org later this year as well as in future newsletters.
The Autobiography of
Gustave Baumann
Written when he was nearing seventy,
The Autobiography of Gustave Baumann
illuminates the personality of the artist
through anecdotes of town and family
life, observations of society, and musings
about the role of artists and their art.
The hardcover, 160-page book is edited
by Martin Krause (Curator of Prints,
Drawings and Photographs at the Indianapolis Museum of Art) and
contains more than 80 full-color reproductions and 36 black-andwhite photographs.
Book Signing Event on April 10
Martin Krause will be at the T.C. Steele State Historic Site to sign
copies of this newly released book. The book is available in the
Museum Shop at TCSSHS for $40.00. Current members of the
Friends of T.C. Steele receive a 10% discount .
Baumann Reproductions & More Available
Beside the book, the Museum Shop has about a dozen reproductions
of Mr. Baumann’s prints (priced from $11.95 to $24.99) as well as
notecards and even a puzzle featuring a Brown County scene.
Friends of T.C. Steele State Historic Site, Inc.
4220 T. C. Steele Road
Nashville, IN 47448-9586
SITE HOURS
Tuesday-Saturday: 9 am to 5 pm
Sunday: 1 to 5 pm
Closed Mondays and some holidays
Guided tours of home and studio
available on quarter hour
beginning at 9:15 am.
(1:15 pm on Sundays)
Admission to House and Studio
Adults: $7 Seniors: $5 Children: $2
Free to Friends of TC Steele
Contact Information
(812) 988-2785
friendsoftcsteele@gmail.com
www.tcsteele.org
www.indianamuseum.org/explore/t.c.-steele